There’s something magical about the scent of a fresh Christmas tree filling your home during the holidays. But if you’ve made the switch to an artificial tree (and let’s face it, there are a lot of good reasons to do so), you might be wondering how to bring that iconic fragrance back. In this post, I’ll share a personal story about my own journey from messy flocked faux trees to fragrant holiday bliss, along with four tried-and-true methods to make your artificial tree smell like it was freshly cut from the forest. Spoiler alert: one of them is absolutely free!
Make Your Artificial Christmas Tree Smell Like the Real Thing
When I was a kid, we had a white-flocked artificial Christmas tree. Oh, the drama of that tree! It was messy, shedding its faux snow everywhere, and even a little on the short side, which meant we had to elevate it on a piece of wood to make it look somewhat grand. Despite all that effort, it still looked… well, let’s call it “unique.” Yet, for all its quirks, it was our tree, and it came with none of the hassle of keeping a real tree alive.
Fast forward to my adult years, and I decided my kids needed the “authentic” experience of a live Christmas tree. The smell of fresh pine, the excitement of picking the perfect one at the lot—it all felt magical. That was until the prices at the tree lots started soaring as high as Santa’s sleigh. Paying $80 or more for something that would turn brown and brittle before the new year? Hard pass.
Make Your Artificial Christmas Tree Smell Like the Real Thing
That’s when I found an inexpensive artificial tree at one of my favorite discount stores. The year I switched to faux, everything changed. No more wrestling with a prickly trunk, no more sap on my hands, and no more pine needles turning up until Easter.
Then, some years later, I upgraded to a Martha Stewart premium artificial tree for under $100. That was over 15 years ago, and guess what? It’s still the same tree I use today. It’s easy to put up, it’s beautiful, and it’s clean. But… there was one thing missing: that unmistakable Christmas tree smell.
Don’t worry, though. I’ve figured out how to get that live-tree scent for my faux tree. In fact, I’ve discovered four ways to do it, and one of them is absolutely free.
Why Go Faux?
Before we dive into making your artificial tree smell like a forest wonderland, let’s take a moment to appreciate the many benefits of skipping the live tree:
- Creative Freedom: You can choose from flocked, pre-lit, tall, skinny, or any other style that suits your space.
- Cost Savings: A high-quality artificial tree is a one-time investment. Mine has lasted over 15 years—do the math on that versus buying a fresh tree every year.
- Convenience: No messy pine needles, no watering, no stress about fire hazards.
- Sustainability: Artificial trees can be reused for years, reducing waste.
Shop Affordable Christmas Trees
Now that we’re all on board with Team Faux, let’s talk about how to make your artificial tree smell like the real deal.
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1. Pine-Scented Plug-Ins
Let’s start with the easiest and most convenient option: pine-scented plug-ins. Febreze has a limited-edition Winter Spruce scent that will have your home smelling like a forest in no time. Just plug it into an outlet near your tree, and let it do its magic. The best part? You can adjust the intensity of the scent to your liking.
Pro Tip: Place the plug-in near a vent or fan to help circulate the scent throughout the room. Bonus points for choosing other complementary holiday scents like cinnamon or vanilla to layer with the pine.
Use Some Holiday Magic to Make Your Artificial Tree Smell Real!
2. Scentsicles: The Ultimate Secret Weapon
If you’ve never heard of Scentsicles, let me introduce you to your new best friend. These are scented sticks designed specifically to make your Christmas tree (real or fake) smell like it was freshly cut. The White Winter Fir scent is my go-to, with notes of Douglas Fir needles, Noble Fir, Scotch Pine, and White Cedarwood.
Each bottle comes with six scented sticks and hooks to hang them discreetly on your tree. It also includes a fragranced spray for refreshing the scent as needed. Just give your tree a quick spritz or add a couple of sticks, and your guests will swear your tree was just dragged in from the woods.
Pro Tip: Hang the Scentsicles deep within the branches to keep them out of sight while maximizing the scent.
3. Buy a Real Wreath
If you want the scent of fresh pine without the mess of a live tree, why not buy a real wreath? Many places, like Costco, grocery store, or local tree lots, sell gorgeous fresh wreaths that add instant holiday charm and fragrance to your home. Hang one in the same room as your tree to create the illusion that the whole space is filled with real greenery.
Pro Tip: Keep the wreath misted with water to maintain its freshness and fragrance longer.
4. Free Tree Clippings
This one’s my absolute favorite because I used to do it for many years and it’s 100% free. Head to your local Christmas tree lot and ask for some of the clippings they trim off trees. Most places will happily let you take them, as they’d otherwise just go to waste.
Arrange the clippings in vases, lay them across your mantel, or tuck them around the base of your artificial tree. Not only will they add that fresh pine smell, but they’ll also give your holiday decor an extra layer of authenticity.
Pro Tip: Keep the clippings in water or use floral foam to keep them looking fresh throughout the season.
Final Thoughts: Real Smell, Faux Tree
For years, people who visited my home during the holidays were convinced my tree was real. They’d lean in, inhale deeply, and say, “Oh, I love the smell of a fresh Christmas tree!” Little did they know, it was all thanks to these clever tricks.
The best part of the holidays isn’t about whether your tree is real or fake. It’s about creating a home filled with joy, warmth, and memories. With an artificial tree, you get all the beauty without the hassle, and with these scent hacks, you don’t have to sacrifice that nostalgic Christmas tree smell.
So skip the stress of wrangling a live tree this year. Invest in an artificial one you’ll love for years to come, and use these tips to make it smell like it’s fresh from the forest. PSA: Martha’s gone up on her trees a bit. Here’s to creating a holiday home and life we love. Cheers to a beautifully scented Christmas!
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